Blocking Explained:

Blocking is a staple of nearly all martial arts and Hapkido is no different. A block is moving your arm or leg defensively to prevent the opponents hand or foot from striking your vulnerable areas. Properly executed a block can do much more than simply divert a punch or kick. It can set you up for a counter attack. In some cases a block can be so fearsome that it is literally an attack on your opponents weapons.

Low block is designed to protect your entire upper torso all the way to the upper thigh in one deft move.

White Belt Blocks (Low Block)

All blocks begin at one place travel a certain distance and end in another place. A left Low block starts at your right ear.

To do a proper left low block:

Stand in Left Fighting Stance1. Move your left fist to your right ear (fingers towards your ear)2. Your right fist also goes to the same place but this one has fingers outward.3. Pretend you have a wristwatch on both your wrists and the watch faces are touching each other (Chambered Position).

4. Now to block you slide your left fist from your right ear to just above your left knee.5. Simultaneously your right hand falls to your waist and rests there fingers up.

White Belt Blocks (Middle Block)

To do a proper left middle block:

Stand in Left Fighting Stance

1. Move your left fist to your right ear (fingers towards your ear)

2. Your right fist also goes to the same place but this one has fingers outward.

3. Pretend you have a wristwatch on both your wrists and the watch faces are touching each other (Chambered Position).

4. Now to block you slide your left fist from your right ear past your face and upper torso. The fist passes just below your site line.